Fehi Fineanganofo will stay with the Hurricanes for the 2027 season after extending his contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
The 24-year-old outside back will remain in New Zealand for another year before joining Newcastle Red Bulls on an extended deal that will run from 2027 until 2029.
The decision follows months of discussions between NZR, Newcastle and Fineanganofo, with all three parties agreeing that another season in New Zealand would give him the best possible chance of securing a place in the All Blacks squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fineanganofo thanked both Newcastle and NZR for allowing him to continue his career in New Zealand next season.
“I’m excited to be staying in New Zealand with the Hurricanes for next season. I'm proud of what we achieved last season, and I’m looking forward to helping defend the Super Rugby title while continuing to put my hand up for the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”
NZR General Manager Professional Rugby Relationships Simon Simmers welcomed the agreement.
“We are pleased to have reached a positive resolution for Fehi and look forward to seeing him continue playing his rugby in New Zealand through 2027 and chasing his dream of playing at a Rugby World Cup.”
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw was also delighted with the news after Fineanganofo enjoyed a breakthrough 2026 campaign.
The winger scored 17 tries during the season, setting a new Super Rugby record and moving ahead of the previous marks set by Joe Roff and Ben Lam.
“It’s great news for the Hurricanes that Fehi will be in New Zealand for another season. The opportunity for him to play for us in 2027 is something we’re really excited about.
"He has obviously had an amazing season in 2026 by winning Super Rugby Pacific, breaking the try-scoring record, and being selected for the All Blacks.
“It’s been a hugely successful year and he can be super proud of his achievements, so we look forward to that continuing next season and seeing him in pre-season once we get back together.”
Newcastle Red Bulls sporting general manager Neil McIlroy said the club remains behind Fineanganofo's goal of representing New Zealand at the World Cup.
“We are fully supportive of Fehi’s desire to represent his country at Rugby World Cup 2027, which marries with our own philosophy of aiming high and enabling our athletes to fulfil their ambitions.”
Newcastle originally confirmed Fineanganofo's signing in January, with the 24-year-old agreeing to a two-year deal as part of the club's recruitment drive following Red Bull's takeover last summer.
Fineanganofo has also represented New Zealand in sevens, including at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His rapid rise in 2026 has nevertheless been a surprise, having scored just six tries during the previous season.
